We have counted our blessings during the Thanksgiving holiday, and now the holiday season is in full swing. If we allowed ourselves to harness the mind-body benefits of gratitude, we likely felt a sense of rejuvenation and refreshment when in this emotional state. Yet, it is often a challenge to hold onto these uplifting...
What is Gratitude and Why Should We Care? Exploring the Wellness, Physical, and Mental Health Benefits of Feeling Thankful
The Science of Gratitude
‘Tis the Season for Gratitude Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones to share our blessings. It signifies a day of appreciation for the gifts that we have received in the year passing. For some, the holiday season is a time of great joy. For others, it leads to feelings of anxiety,...
Can Hormones Mess with Your Gut? The Gut-Hormone (and Stress) Connection and How Your Monthly Cycle Impacts Your Digestion
Hormones have a widespread impact on many biological processes, so it makes sense that various issues can become more prominent when these powerful chemical messengers fluctuate in their levels. In fact, up to 90% of women report an aggravation of symptoms before and during their period, premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Interestingly, it is estimated that...
The Many Wellness Benefits of Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) Essential Oil
Recently, I got an intuitive hunch to explore the use of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) essential oil. I was contemplating what to do for a client struggling with a dermatological condition. She was making some progress with her skin and many other issues, but we both wanted her to reach the next level of healing....
The 8 Most Common Digestive Issues That Occur with Aging: A Naturopathic and Functional Medicine Approach to Staying “Young at Gut”
Keeping Our Bodies and Minds Healthy Over Time… by Focusing on the Gut There are certain biological changes that occur and impact our body’s biological functioning over time. Some general wear and tear on the body is inevitable, but it can eventually lead to an accumulation of damage. This can result in lowered physical...
A Case Study on Using Essential Oils to Soothe Anxiety and Support the Mind and Body
Many people underestimate the influence that odors have on our mental and physical health in comparison to our other senses. Yet, imagine life without them… It would be a world without the scent of grandma’s famous chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven. There would be an absence of the volatile compounds emitted from...
The 3 Ways a “Woman’s Change” into Menopause Impacts Brain Health & Cognition
Recently, I may have shocked a few people when I discussed the important role of hormones on mood. I explained how these chemical messengers can impact emotions so intensely that variations in their levels can lead to extreme irritability, even rage. These outbursts can occur anytime a biological woman’s hormones fluctuate; however, they are...
My Four Favorite Essential Oils to Fortify the Mind and Body and Decrease Stress During the Fall
Although there is a lot of turmoil and trauma coming at us in today’s world, there also exists some tenderness and means to regain our balance. With the world events exerting a large amount of mental and physical toll on all of us, I’ve made it a priority to provide resources to you so...
What is Your Gut-Brain and Why You Should “Mind Your Microbiome”
Did you know that you aren’t all human? Creepily, trillions of tiny microbes (microbiota) have set up their habitats inside and outside your body, starting in utero. In fact, our gastrointestinal (GI) tract alone is home to 1014 cells of thousands of different species of microbiota. These critters form a give-and-take relationship with our...
Have You Heard of Perimenopausal Rage?
How Hormones Can Drive Your Emotions
Women, and those who care about them, have likely experienced how changes in their hormones can impact their emotions. So, the concept that sex hormones have a powerful influence on the brain and body probably isn’t surprising to you. But… Did you know that hormonal changes can make one experience extreme irritability, anger, or...